Crusty Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Crusty Honey Whole Wheat Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor with a crisp crust, perfect for healthy breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to bread enthusiasts and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk, water, and honey to 120°F.
- In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, yeast, egg, salt, and the warm milk mixture.
- Mix at high speed for 3 minutes.
- Add 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and continue kneading for 3 more minutes.
- If dough is sticky, knead in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal parts.
- Shape into loaves and place in greased pans.
- Cover and let rise until doubled.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting brown sugar for honey, or use a combination of honey and maple syrup. Ensure your liquid temperature is accurate; too hot can kill the yeast. If you prefer a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter after baking. You can also add seeds or nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This crusty honey whole wheat bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches. Spread it with butter or your favorite jam for breakfast, or serve it alongside a salad for lunch. It also complements dishes like Quick Vegetable Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and toast in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Honey Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 3980 calories, with 50g protein, 438g carbohydrates, and 224g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (132% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the activation step with warm liquids.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bread?
You can add herbs, garlic powder, or spices to the dough for added flavor. For a sweeter profile, consider mixing in cinnamon or nutmeg.
Why is my bread not rising properly?
If your bread isn't rising, it may be due to expired yeast or incorrect liquid temperature. Make sure your liquids are around 120°F for optimal yeast activation, and check the expiration date on your yeast packets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).